MY ALPHA FATHER'S BEST FRIEND 9
857 Words
MAYA
Two days after my father comes home, the full moon rises.
I’m restless. Agitated. My wolf is pacing and snarling, furious that we’re stuck here instead of with Damon.
Dad notices, of course.
“You okay, sweetheart?” he asks at dinner. “You seem tense.”
“Just the moon,” I say, pushing food around my plate. “You know how it is.”
He nods sympathetically. “Why don’t you run with the pack tonight? Might help.”
“Maybe.”
But I don’t want to run with the pack. Don’t want to be surrounded by wolves who aren’t him.
I want Damon.
After dinner, I retreat to my room and try to distract myself. But nothing works. All I can think about is those five minutes in his arms. The way he kissed me like he was drowning and I was air. The way he felt pressed against me.
The way he left without fighting for me.
My phone buzzes. A text from an unknown number.
*How are you holding up?*
My heart jumps. I know that tone, even in text form.
*”Damon?”*
*Yeah. Got your number from your dad’s phone. Hope that’s okay.*
I smile despite myself.
I answer. *It’s fine. I’m okay. Restless.*
*Me too.*
Three dots appear, disappear, appear again. Like he’s typing and deleting, not sure what to say.
Finally:* I’m sorry about the other day. The way I left.*
I stare at the message, my chest tight.
*You didn’t have a choice.* I replied.
*I did. I could have stayed. Could have talked to your father.*
*And said what? That you were about to f**k his daughter in his bed?*
A long pause. Then: *Maya.*
*It’s true though.
I know. And that’s the problem.*
I throw myself back on my bed, frustration burning through me.
*So that’s it? We just pretend it never happened?
…I don’t know what else to do. Your father would never understand.
Then we don’t tell him.
…You know it doesn’t work that way. Secrets like that always come out.*
I want to scream. Want to throw my phone across the room.
Instead I type: *I don’t care. I want you anyway.*
The three dots appear and disappear for a solid two minutes.
Finally: *You’re going to drive me insane, little wolf.*
*Good. Maybe you’ll stop being so stubborn.
Maya. Listen to me. This is important.
I wait, my heart pounding.
The full moon makes everything more intense. What you’re feeling right now—it’s amplified by the moon. By your wolf. You need to be careful.
I know what I’m feeling.
Do you? Or is it just instinct? Just your wolf reacting to an unmated Alpha?
The words sting. He thinks this is just wolf instinct? Just biology?
Fuck you, I type back. I’ve wanted you since before my first shift. This has nothing to do with the moon.
Maya…
No. You don’t get to dismiss what I feel. I’m not some stupid kid with a crush. I know exactly what I want.
And what’s that?
You. All of you. Forever.*
I hit send before I can second-guess it. Let him think I’m crazy. Let him think it’s too much, too fast.
It’s the truth.
The three dots appear, disappear, appear again.
*f**k.
Is that all you have to say?
What do you want me to say, Maya? That I want the same thing? That I’ve been fantasizing about claiming you, marking you, making you mine since your first shift? That I can’t sleep without thinking about you? That every time another wolf looks at you I want to rip their throat out?
My breath catches. I read the message three times, my heart racing.
Yes. That’s exactly what I want you to say.
Well I can’t. Because wanting something and being able to have it are two different things.
Why can’t you have me?
Because you deserve better than a wolf who’s twice your age and supposed to be protecting you, not fantasizing about you.
I don’t want better. I want you.
Maya. Please. Don’t make this harder than it already is.
I stare at my phone, tears burning my eyes. He wants me. He admitted it. But he’s still going to walk away.
Then come here.
What?
Come here. Right now. Dad’s doing pack business in his office—he’ll be there for hours. The guards won’t question you. Just come.
Maya, that’s a terrible idea.
I don’t care. I need to see you.
No.
Please.
No.
Damon. Please. Just… let me see you. One more time. And if you can look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want this, I’ll let it go. I’ll stop pushing.*
A long, long pause.
*You’re playing dirty, little wolf.
I know. Is it working?*
Another pause.
*f**k. Yes. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.*
I jump off my bed, my heart soaring.
*Park at the north gate. I’ll meet you there.
This is a bad idea.
Probably. See you soon.*
I don’t wait for a response. Just grab a hoodie and slip out of my room.
- Writer
